A Startup, And Some Thoughts
A project as historic as FilipinoVoices.com is something that any blogger can be proud of. But it has its times of uncertainty. As you know, we have started a new phase in the Philippine political punditry, that of a collaborative site. To bring bright minds together, in the blogging world, as well as other sectors, including media, so that issues could be discussed and analyzed.
Many of individuals have asked me what exactly is the aim of Filipino Voices, and I guess, after some thought, I am still not sure. But one certainty I have is that it should be a site where we can spur on debate, where dissent is appreciated because it is non conforming. Out of the box thinking should be the norm, and whatever our agreements or disagreements, the ultimate goal is to try to bring objectivity, a sense of trying to figure out what the problems are, and hopefully come up with some solutions.
To bring the democracy of thought, and utilize it to tackle some of the biggest issues of the day.
And believe me, when I say democracy, I mean democracy. This is why we brought in Benign0 himself, “a heckler” of the politically passionate. And why we are proud to have students such as J and Jester on board. Lawyers, teachers, young, old, new media, and old media… That is the greatness of variety, that it can encompass the vast areas of perspectives, and bring it to one place.. In our case, Filipinovoices.com
I am happy to announce that even respected Journalists such as RG Cruz of ABS-CBN, Thea Alberto of Inquirer.net, and Kelvin Lee of Sunstar Davao have taken up this initiative with great gusto and support. They will be contributors to the site, and I am certain that this will be a growing trend, because of the belief that this is a project worth contributing to. A project long overdue, and a project that is much needed.
And thus, the journey of a thousand gigabytes, has started with the congregation of a few bloggers. What fun there can be in cyberspace, when what connects individuals such as these, is not their uniformity in thought, but in their love of country.
FilipinoVoices.com is essentially just like the ancient Athenian Assembly. It’s a direct democracy where everyone can agree to disagree. To be a deliberative forum is, I think, what the site’s goal should be.
The true voice of Filipinos will show up naturally as Filipinos blog, share, react, comment. I’m very pleased to see this platform giving Filipinos an honest voice in the world, in the country, in the culture. As the world goes deeper into crisis, the voice of the people everywhere must be given opportunities to speak, must be able to share events and experiences, give warnings and seek one another’ support and advice. Blogging is a critical platform for global communication of the people with each other.
@J, I agree completely. And so far, we’re succeeding in just that.
@Margaret, I think you have a very excellent point, that as time goes on, we will definitely see an emergence of voices coming from all sectors, in this vast blogosphere. I also agree, that blogging will be a critical platform, along with many other innovations yet to come.
Cant wait to contribute! See you there, Nick!